River Description

This section, according to John Novo, "is a nice class 3 with a little gorge and a nice 4-5 foot drop. It also has a very nice little rock garden section that is about a 1/4 mile long and some nice surfing waves just below the Rte. 112 bridge."

Release Schedule

We have had releases on this reach but don't show any currently. This information is
gathered by the public. If you know about releases then contact us about them. If
you would volunteer to enter the releases, then reach out to us.

Gage Descriptions

Knightville dam is just upstream from the put in. Normal spring recreational release from the dam is 1000 cfs.

The flow is augmented with the confluence of the Middle Branch of the Westfield River about half way through this segment. Littleville dam on this branch usually releases an additional 300 cfs.

At 1000-1500 cfs, this gets pretty nice. The minimum corresponds to about 4.5 ft.

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No Accident Reports

Submit Accident Report

If someone gets hurt on a river, or you read about a whitewater-related injury, please report it to
American Whitewater. Don't worry about multiple submissions from other witnesses, as our safety
editors will turn multiple witness reports into a single unified accident report.

Alerts

News

In response to requests by American Whitewater, several affiliates, and other stakeholders, FERC directed Brookfield Renewable to study the impact of its hydropower operations on whitewater boating on the Deerfield River in western Massachusetts. Boating groups and our supporters are seeking to determine optimal whitewater boating flows from the Fife Brook Dam and whether changes in hydropower operations would enhance boating opportunities, access and navigation.

AW Responds To Connecticut River Boating Study (MA)

11/18/2015

Robert Nasdor

American Whitewater, along with other paddling groups and outfitters, filed comments with FERC responding to the Whitewater Boating Evaluation at Turners Falls on the Connecticut River. The study showed that there is strong demand for boating on this section of the Connecticut River if sufficient flows, scheduled releases, better access, and real-time information are provided. The groups filed the comments in order to provide additional information for the environmental review and to respond to the unsupported statements by FirstLight, the utility performing the study, claiming that there is little demand for boating at Turners Falls.

Bellows Falls (VT) Flow Study Reveals Hidden Whitewater

6/2/2015

Robert Nasdor

A hardy group of northeast boaters climbed into the natural river channel below a hydropower dam to participate in a flow study designed to assess whether whitewater flows should be restored to this dewatered river reach on the Connecticut River. While significant obstacles remain, this site has the potential for providing instruction, playboating, and a big water feature that that could be run throughout much of the year and provide a much needed boost to the local economy.